Editor’s Letter: Affirm an Unforgettable Year to Usher in the New

Dear Family,

Every year as a child, I would go to my church, Asbury United Methodist, with my grandparents for Watch Night Service, a tradition in the black community church to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation. We would fellowship, sing, pray and bring in the new year. My favorite part of the service occurred as we approached the midnight hour. Each person would receive a candle, the lights would dim, and we would affirm the year passing and usher in the new. It was a quiet, reflective time – one full of love for one another. 

This was a year for the record books. I don’t think we’ll ever forget 2020. Our Nation faced, and is still facing, a global pandemic. We elected a new president along with the first woman as vice president – a black woman. The election has divided our country. The current president is creating turmoil as he distorts the truth about the rightful victor. Eight minutes and 46 horrific seconds changed the perceptions of many about race relations in this country and reinforced what many of us already knew – the more things change, the more they remain the same. Virginia passed the Equal Rights Amendment. Small business owners continue to face unforeseen challenges. Our children were forced to attend, and in many instances continue to attend school virtually, drastically changing the educational process. Our faith communities are reimagining their ministries to meet the needs of our community. Yes, 2020 seemed like a year that would never end, but it has!

ColorsVA is beginning 2021 anew, but our mission remains the same: “To illuminate issues relevant to Southwest Virginia’s communities of color.” Our January issue is just the right balance of celebrating community and providing avenues for education and understanding. This month, we introduce you to Roanoke’s new vice mayor, celebrate the academic achievements of a high schooler, get tips on making healthy changes, prepare you to be fashionable in Zoom, and get you started on your 2021 reading list. 

In 2021, I will be guided by this quote from Ella Baker, a civil rights and human rights activist: “Give light, and people will find the way….” The light I will give will be lights of love, understanding, advocacy and faith.

Karen E. Jones

Editor in Chief